June Symbolizes a Month of Pride

It’s that time of year again; Pride month has arrived! June 1st marks the beginning of LGBT Pride Month, a nationally, and internationally recognized celebration of socially marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities. This month allows people from around the world to rejoice in their differences with pride, with many cities holding events and creating safe spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people and their allies.

Colorful and joyous Gay Pride Parades, Dyke Marches, parties, rallies, and speak-outs are soon to appear all around the country, especially in major cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. This time of year is important to so many people, as it is an occasion to celebrate with great pride the diverse and strong LGBT community, as well as to honor those who have lost their lives to violence and HIV/AIDS.

According to the Library of Congress, LGBT Pride Month originated as an effort to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan. The riots were a response to police brutality and targeting of gay and transgender people at the Stonewall Bar, which patrons regarded as a safe and “open” space for them to be. This moment was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, and now, each year Pride exists as a time to reclaim safe spaces, celebrate each other, and create awareness about LGBT people and their rights.

This month, the gay pride flag will fly higher than ever, as a colorful reminder of the importance of solidarity in the LGBT community, a history of strength and triumph, as well as the continual struggle for rights and universal social acceptance. Overcome

Keep a lookout for LGBT Pride Month events taking place in your community this month!